The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

At least 40 people were injured in a clash between patients and Ansar at an outdoor ticket counter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at Shahbag in the city yesterday.

Witnesses said the clash ensued at about 10:45am when an Ansar member tried to reorganise the queue of patients and attendants at the Paediatric Ward at Block-C of the hospital. One Jasim, who came with his wife and 5-month-old baby, protested Ansar Sultan's intervention and reportedly slapped him.

The witnesses said Sultan rushed to BSMMU Ansar camp and called in his colleagues.

About 150 members of the Ansar charged batons indiscriminately on the waiting patients and attendants. They also hit the people in the queue with the butt of their rifles and bamboo sticks injuring at least 35 people. The Ansar members also detained the Jasim couple at their camp.

Later, the BSMMU authorities rescued them.

The trouble continued for more than two hours when the people pelted brickbats at club swinging Ansar members leaving at least five Ansar members also injured.

The law enforcers rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

A 4-member team headed by Prof Kawsar was formed to inquire into the incident. The team will submit its report within three days.

In another incident police arrested Ansar member Manjurul Islam and liftman Mujibur Rahman for allegedly raping Afroza Banu, 31, Sunday night on the rooftop of Block-C of BSMMU.

Afroza, who came from Dhamrai, filed a rape case with Shahbag Police Station yesterday.